The WASO Chorus

The WASO Chorus was formed in 1988 and consists of around 130 choristers who represent the finest form of community music making, bringing together singers from all walks of life.

The Chorus is a skilled ensemble of auditioned singers from Perth and surrounding areas, who give their time voluntarily. They regularly feature in the WASO annual concert season and have developed a reputation for excellence in music ranging from Baroque to contemporary.

At the start of 2014 WASO welcomed Christopher van Tuinen in the role of Chorus Director and Andrew Foote as Vocal Coach.

Christopher van Tuinen, Chorus Director

Christopher graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in 2001. In 2005 he completed a Masters in Conducting at the VCA. Experienced in both vocal and instrumental music he was awarded the John Williams Conducting Scholarship for 2004-5. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Queensland, a Bachelor of Laws from Queensland University of Technology and an Associate Diploma in Music from the Australian Music Examinations Board. In 2006 he received a Green Room Award nomination in the ‘Best Conductor’ category. During 2008 and 2009 he was a member of the Young Artists program as a Conductor with Opera Australia and in 2007 he was appointed as the inaugural Conducting Fellow at the Australian Ballet. He has worked with WASO, Orchestra Victoria, Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra and the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. In addition to his work as Chorus Director for WASO, Christopher is also Conductor of The University of Western Australia Choral Society, Musical Director of Fremantle Chamber Orchestra and Artistic Director of Lost and Found Opera.

Andrew Foote, Vocal Coach

Helpmann award-winner Andrew is one of the most experienced singers and teachers of voice in Australia. For more than 30 years he has been a regular guest artist for Western Australian arts companies, a national broadcast artist for ABC Classic FM, a freelance opera principal artist performing throughout Australia, a regular recitalist and oratorio soloist, and more recently an opera director. Andrew is currently Head of Voice at the University of Western Australia School of Music.

If you are interested in joining the WASO Chorus please email chorus@waso.com.au.